Magic in the Mirrorstone: Tales of Fantasy edited by Steve Berman

This collection contains fifteen different fantasy stories. Many of the short stories are about high school students or characters of a similar age, although several are more 'fantastical.' A short breakdown of the stories:

• Princess Bufo marinus, Also Known As Amy by Eugie Foster - A story similar to 'the princess and the frog' but set in a modern-day high school


• Lights, Camera, Action by Cecil Castellucci - A young actress discovers that one movie can change her entire life


• Ten Thousand Waves by Ann Zeddies - Jun Ho is not proud of his Asian heritage, but he soon learns that he cannot embrace his own power without it


• Mauve's Quilt by Craig Laurance Gidney - Quentin and his father move into an old house and he finds a quilt in the attic that seems to be more than just a quilt


• Have You Ever Seen a Shoggoth by Cassandra Clare - Sometimes the 'weird' kids in high school are hiding more than it seems


• The Amulet of Winter by Lawrence M. Schoen - Aleks, a skilled thief, is sent to steal a magical amulet but finds himself trapped in a magical library


• Veronica Brown by Sean Manseau - Veronica knows there's a sea monster in Lake Champlain but she's tired of letting it ruin her summer


• The Jewel of Abandon by Nina Kiriki Hoffman - Sometimes ignorance really is bliss...


• School Spirit by Jim C. Hines - An evil wizard's curse haunts a magical school, but a new goblin student is determined to take him down once and for all


• Blackwater Baby by Tiffany Trent - Father Joseph rescues the Marsh King's daughter from unsuspecting humans but the Fey want her back...(this story is about characters from a separate fantasy series)


• Old Crimes by J. D. Everyhope - While on vacation, a girl has a chat with an ancient Toltec god


• The Fortunate Dream by Gregory Frost - A young man finds that fairy tales are sometimes more useful than they seem


• Out of Her Element by E. Sedia - Leticia, a young girl dying of consumption in England, befriends a salamander and faces a difficult choice


• Virgin by Holly Black - Jen, a runaway foster teen meets Zachary, another runaway with a secret


• Pig, Crane, Fox: Three Hearts Unfolding by Beth Bernobich - An Asian story similar to the Princess on the Glass Hill

I enjoyed this collection of short stories - some more than others, but overall, this is a collection I would recommend to fantasy fans looking for short reads with plenty of variety.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Frog Princess, Now You See It, Aurelie: A Fairie Tale, or The Wish List

A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn


Talia is a princess of the tiny European country Euphrasia. Like most princesses, she is watched every moment of the day, but unlike others, she is also reminded constantly to never touch a spindle. Despite the warnings, Talia accidentally pricks her finger on her sixteenth birthday, fulfilling the well-known curse placed on her at her christening. Three hundred years later, Jack - a bored U.S. high school student - breaks away from his tour group looking for adventure and stumbles on the sleeping country. Though he doesn't know why, he kisses Talia and breaks the spell. Suddenly, Talia is yanked into a world she doesn't understand, Jack is stuck with a 'spoiled' princess, and the witch who cast the curse is not happy. Now everyone is wondering - did Jack make a mistake, or is it really true love?


This retelling of Sleeping Beauty is rather interesting since it drops characters from the past into the twenty-first century. It is less realistic than some other retellings, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. The story switches back and forth between Talia's and Jack's point of view which helps to develop all of the characters very well and also give the plot some unique perspective. I would recommend this to fantasy fans looking for something to read that's just a little bit fluffy - particularly fans of retellings and time travel-type stories.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Beauty Sleep, Princess Nevermore, Gifted: Out of Sight, Out of Mind, or The Elemental Masters Series

Swoon by Nina Malkin

Candice "Dice" Moskow has just moved from New York to Swoon, Connecticut where she lives across the street from her aunt, uncle, and cousin Penelope ("Pen"). She is, as she puts it, "a teensy bit psychic" which is why she knows that Pen is possessed by a ghost after she falls out of a tree and nearly dies. The ghost - Sinclair ("Sin") - immediately starts wreaking havoc on the inhabitants of Swoon. Desperate to free her cousin, Dice performs a ritual she believes is meant to exorcise his spirit, but instead gives him a body. Now Sin is free to do whatever he wishes and Dice is the only one who can stop him. But Dice has her own problems that she hasn't figured out how to deal with, and, on top of it all, she's somehow fallen in love with the ghost she has to destroy.


I was definitely drawn into this story although it's a bit darker than most of the fantasy that I read. This book is written from Dice's point of view and is as much about trauma and psychology as the supernatural. I would not suggest this to anyone looking for a fluffy read. However, older fantasy fans looking for something a little more serious or character-centric might enjoy this, particularly anyone who prefers books about the supernatural.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Summoning, Wicked Lovely, Annals of the Western Shore, or Black Pearls

Rampant by Diana Peterfreund

Astrid hates her mother's obsession with unicorns. According to Lilith, unicorns are nasty, man-eating monsters and Astrid herself is descended from a long line of women warriors who hunt them. But Astrid has never bought into the stores - until her boyfriend, Brandt is gored by one and nearly dies. Suddenly Astrid finds herself packed off to Rome where the cloisters of the Order of the Lioness (a.k.a. unicorn hunters) is being revived. But when she arrives, nothing is what she expected. Surrounded by expectations of what she's "supposed" to be and hating every minute of it, Astrid must discover whether she has what it takes to embrace her birthright and lead her fellow warriors against an enemy that once again threatens mankind.


This story, told from Astrid's point of view, is definitely an interesting twist on fairy tales about fluffy versions of unicorns. I felt as though it was a little slow getting started, but once I got into it, there was plenty of action and side stories to keep it going. It was also a bit difficult to keep track of all of the characters, but I didn't feel as though it detracted from the story. By the end, I was wondering if there would be a sequel - and hoping that we would find out more about what happens to Astrid and her friends. I would definitely recommend this book to older teens, particularly those who like stories that take place in the 'real world' or about women warriors.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: A Posse of Princesses, Song of the Lioness Quartet, The Lightning Thief, or The Abhorsen Trilogy

Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle


Twins Persephone (Perse) and Penelope (Pen) Leland live in England in 1837. They have received an uncommon education, learning math and other subjects not generally taught to girls - and they've been tutored in magic. Now that their eighteenth birthday is approaching, it's time for them to go to London, join the Season, and find eligible husbands. Keeping their magic a secret and dealing with the ton would be difficult enough, but they also discover that their governess has been kidnapped as part of a magical plot. Time grows short as they try to find Miss Allardyce (not to mention husbands) amid the many complications of the social whirl.

This was an enjoyable story, and a fairly quick read. There are quite a few characters, but they are all well-developed and easy to keep track of. The story is certainly interesting and adds a bit of fantastical mystery to the historical plot. I would definitely recommend this to teens interested in stories about Regency England, magic in the "real world", or those looking for a bit of light fantasy with a little mystery.


Note: This book focuses on Persephone's story; Penelope's story is continued in the second book, Betraying Season.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Cecelia and Kate, Magic Can Be Murder, A Posse of Princesses, or The Elemental Master Series

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Kyle Kingsbury is a golden boy - he has the looks, the girls, and a father with the money to send him to the best school and get him whatever he wants. But having everything turns out not to be terribly wonderful when his shallowness convinces a witch to turn him into a beast. Suddenly, Kyle discovers that life isn't so wonderful when you're different. His father abandons him to a secluded house and Kyle attempts to make sense of what has happened to him. The only chance he has is to find a girl who can love him as he is - and whom he can love in return - and time is running out.


I really enjoyed this modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast. For the most part, it sticks pretty closely to the Disney and traditional versions of the story. It is told in first-person, giving a direct view into the character and struggles of a popular boy-turned-beast. Each section also has a portion written as if it takes place in a chatroom, amongst other 'fairy tale' characters; I enjoyed the actual story more, but it does add another, modern dimension. I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy fans - particularly those who enjoy retellings of fairy tales or modern fantasy stories.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Black Pearls, Gifted: Out of Sight, Out of Mind, , Once Upon a Marigold, or Now You See It

Knight & Rogue Novels by Hilari Bell

In the first of the Knight and Rogue Novels, The Last Knight, Sir Michael Sevenson is a knight errant in a 'modern' age when knights are a thing of the past. His reluctant squire, Fisk, joins him on his adventures, but often voices his dissent. Things take a turn for the worst when one of their first jobs is to rescue an imprisoned maiden...except that it turns out she was a suspected murderess. Now it is up to Michael and Fisk to track her down and bring her to justice. In a world full of 'magica' and traps laid along the way, they'll have to learn to work together in order to accomplish their mission.


In the second book, Rogue's Home the story focuses on Fisk and his family when he is recalled to his home, Ruesport, by his sister, Anna. Her husband, Max, has been framed as a blackmailer and the family holds out hope that Fisk might be able to clear Max's name once and for all. Along with Michael - who is suffering the consequences of his choices at the end of the first book - the pair will have to work together to solve a very different kind of problem, and try to stay alive doing it.


These books were really fun and I found myself really hoping for a third book once I finished them (it looks like Player's Ruse will be released in January, 2010). The story is told from both characters' points of view in alternating chapters. The different voices add a lot to the story and make the characters very identifiable and more realistic. The plots are also interesting and not entirely predictable - this is not the usual knight-and-squire sort of relationship or story. I would definitely recommend this to fantasy fans, particularly those looking for something amusing or those who really enjoy stories about knights in shining armor.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Heroics for Beginners, Dark Lord of Derkholm, or The Last Apprentice

Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman

In this retelling of Greek mythology, Persephone feels trapped by her mother, Demeter. Although she feels that she has reached an age of maturity, her mother continues to treat her as a young girl and refuses to allow her to 'grow up.' Then a mysterious stranger appears in a nearby meadow. When Hades offers to take her away and make her his queen, Persephone must choose between becoming a woman or staying her mother's little girl forever. But every choice has a consequence...


I really enjoyed this retelling. The characters and plot are all very well developed with just enough imagery to give it a realistic feeling. The story is told in first person, giving readers a view into Persephone's perceptions and feelings and making it easy to sympathize with her character and the challenges that she faces. From a 'fantasy' perspective, this book reads more like a novel than a typical fantasy story, but I would still recommend it to readers who enjoy Greek myths and coming-of-age stories.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Ever, Princess Ben, Firebird, or A Posse of Princesses

Aurelie: A Faerie Tale by Heather Tomlinson

In this story, three humans - Princess Aurelie, Garin, and Netta - are childhood friends with Loic, a river dragon. But then a promise is accidentally broken and their friendship is no longer enough to bind them all together. Years after they have gone their separate ways, Aurelie's path starts to cross with the others'. Political unrest is threatening to destroy their lives and destroy more than one country. Soon it seems that the only way to solve all of the problems is to come together and renew their friendship.


This was a cute story - it's a very short, quick read. Although Aurelie is definitely the most prominent and well-developed character, each of the others plays a significant role in the way that the tale plays out. Parts of the plot are a bit predictable, and the ending is almost too neat, but it's nice for a slightly fluffy, upbeat fantasy tale. I would definitely recommend this for fantasy fans who are looking for a quick read or something that's a little fluffy; those who enjoy fairy tales will probably like this story as well.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Swan Kingdom, The Fairy's Return, or Dragon Slippers

Poison by Chris Wooding

In this 'phaerie' tale, Poison lives in a little village called "Gull" in the middle of the Black Marshes - it's a harsh life, but there's rarely a reason to leave. When Poison's little sister is stolen from her by a malicious faerie, however, she decides that, rather than accept it as fate, she will find the Phaerie Lord herself and force him to return her sister. Along the way, she collects various allies including a soul-catcher named Bram, a girl named Peppercorn (who Poison thinks is fairly useless), and a strangely intelligent cat named Andersen. Drawing on the stories that she has read and heard from her mentor, Fleet, Poison bravely sets herself at every problem. What she doesn't realize at first is that not everything is as it seems. Something is awry in her world and she becomes convinced that it has to do with the Heirophant - he's been writing again and everyone seems upset about it. Now Poison must figure out what's going on and find a way to make everything right again, no matter how much it costs her in the end.


This book was rather gruesome - it has that 'original Grimms' sort of feel with horrible things happening and graphic descriptions of them. (I am personally not a huge fan of gruesome). The story itself was good overall, although somewhere near the end it takes a somewhat bizarre, existential twist and turns into a very philosophical piece questioning life, the universe, and everything, essentially. All in all, it wasn't bad - but I did find it incredibly surprising and unpredictable in the sense that the way it ended up was entirely unlike the way that it started. The characters were well-developed and most of the plot followed a general fantasy vein with predictable elements that were often just a little 'off-kilter'. This is definitely not a light, fluffy book - I would only recommend this book to fantasy fans who are really looking for a darker book with some horror and gore in it, and those who want something really out of the ordinary that inspires deeper thought and reflection.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Wicked Lovely, Lady in Gil, The Two Princesses of Bamarre, or Fly by Night

Anatopsis by Chris Abouzeid

Princess Anatopsis and Prince Barnaby come from rival Magical families. In the last year before the final wizard tests, a demigod tutor, Mr. Pound, insists that the two study together - a traditional requirement that has been enforced for generations. Ana and her human companion, Clarissa, and Barnaby with his dog, Uno, get off to a rocky start. Complicating matters is that neither Ana nor Barnaby wishes to inherit their family corporations. But, more importantly, they discover that Mr. Pound's requirements are part of a larger plan and hidden agenda which threatens the world as they know it. Resentments, personal preferences, and frustrations must all be put aside if everything is to be set to rights - and there are no guarantees for a happy ending.


I expected this book to be rather fluffy, but instead, this book is fairly serious, creating a fantastical alternate reality that explores human nature, dreams, discrimination, and sacrifice. Some of the plot points seemed a little more convoluted than necessary and a bit confusing at times, but overall, the issues within the story definitely come through. The main characters are well-developed and identifiable, though I did not always find it easy to sympathize with them. In general = if you're looking for a light-hearted book with a satisfying ending, this is not the one to pick up. Fantasy fans - particularly older teens - who are looking for something more thought-provoking or serious may consider trying this one out.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Princess Academy, Poison, Fablehaven, or The Abhorson Trilogy

Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr

In this sequel to Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange, each of the characters is struggling to discover how to live with their roles. Keenan (the Summer King) and Donia (the Winter Queen) are in love, but being together is hurting both of their courts, especially since Keenan desperately wants Aislinn by his side so that they can rebuild after the former Winter Queen's reign. Meanwhile, Aislinn is trying to juggle her life a s a "normal" teenager with her new responsibilities as a queen of Faery. Perhaps the most complicated of all, Seth cannot reconcile that his best friend is king of the Dark Court and the girl he loves has become immortal - he knows that someday he'll grow old and die while she'll continue to rule by Keenan's side. The struggle causes all of them to make difficult choices to further their own aims - the question is whether or not they'll all be able to live with the consequences.

This sequel definitely keeps up the energy of the previous two books. It was a look into the character's lives that gave another piece of the puzzle, although it definitely left me wanting more (I'm hoping another sequel is in the works). The characters and their situations are complex, but the story was engaging and definitely shows the "human" side of Faery. These books do need to be read in order, but I would recommend this series to older teens and fantasy fans who prefer the slightly darker stories and the 'real life' fairy stories.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Fablehaven, Black Pearls, or Howl's Moving Castle

The Dragon Princess by E. D. Baker

Millie is not an ordinary princess - whenever she gets angry, she turns into a dragon. It was merely annoying as a child, but now that she's fifteen, it's causing all sorts of problems when she tries to find a suitor. No matter the magics and potions, Millie can's seem to control her temper. Then a friend suggests that Millie seek out the Blue Witch who lives in the Icy North to help her learn to deal with her emotions. Along with her best friend, Zoe, and her cousin, Frances, Millie sets out to find answers, but discovers that they might find themselves along the way.


This book works very well as a stand-alone, but is also the sixth book in the series that starts with The Frog Princess (Millie is the daughter of the main character in the first books). This book is light-hearted and a fairly quick read, but it also has interesting characters and good plot development. I would recommend this to younger fantasy fans and those who are looking for a quick read with a bit of adventure.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: East, Dragon Slippers, Of Two Minds, or Spirit Fox

The Prophecy by Hilari Bell

Prince Perryn's land is being attacked by a dragon and all of his father's armies are barely keeping it from overrunning the land. Perryn is supposed to be training to be the next warrior-king, but he'd rather be a scholar. His interest in books is scorned by his father, even when he finally finds what he's been searching for - a prophecy to destroy the dragon. When no one will listen, Perryn sets out on his own; he's on the run from his father's army and the traitor in the court who wants him dead...but he's determined to prove once and for all that he has what it takes, even if it isn't the traditional sort of strength.


This was a cute book. The story was somewhat predictable, but just different enough from the 'norm' that it was entertaining and engaging. I also enjoyed the characters and variety of personalities (and not just of the humans). I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy fans - particularly younger teens or anyone looking for a story that's light-hearted without being terribly fluffy.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Once Upon a Marigold, The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Dark Lord of Derkholm, or The Last Apprentice

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Laurel's life has changed a lot - her family has moved to the city even though she's always lived in the country and she's going to a public school for the first time. But more changes are in store. When she suddenly sprouts wing-like petals from between her shoulder blades, she'll have to discover who her friends are and confront the reality of who she is before it's too late to prevent disaster.

This book takes a different approach than most 'fairy' stories. It was enjoyable and only occasionally predictable. Overall, I liked the characters and the story although it was a little fluffy - and the ending definitely set up a sequel, so if you're looking for a stand-alone book or don't want to wait for the next one, this may not be the book for you. I would recommend this to fantasy fans looking for some light reading, especially younger teens or people who enjoy the 'real life' fairy stories.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Fablehaven, The Fairy Path Series, or Princess Nevermore

Alyzon Whitestarr by Isobelle Carmody

Alyzon Whitestarr does not come from an ordinary family: her father is a musician, her mother is a pinter, and her siblings have all inherited similar artistic talents; in fact, Alyzon is the only ordinary one among them. After an accident puts her in a coma, however, everything changes. When she wakes up, all of her senses are heightened, making the world seem to be a new and fascinating place. But most importantly, she can now smell things no one else can sense - including the emotions of those around her. This new ability will be invaluable when Alyzon discovers that something terrible threatens her family and friends - and she's the only one who can tell that it's there.


There were several things that I really enjoyed about this book - the characters, in particular, are well-developed and interesting people. The story was also a bit different from the ordinary and moved at a good pace. The only thing that I had trouble with is that I couldn't quite buy in to the central premise of the story regarding the 'evil' in the world that they were trying to stop; I was actually a bit disappointed because I liked reading the book, but it seemed a little dubious to me. (Also, I couldn't figure out where it was supposed to take place, which doesn't really matter, but I prefer to know.) That being said, I would suggest that critical fantasy readers who want everything explained should probably let this one go - if you're just looking for something fun and a little different (or if you're a fan of conspiracy theories), this book might be worth it for you.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Now You See It, Wicked Lovely, or Gifted: Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Gifted: Out of Sight, Out of Mind by Marilyn Kaye


Amanda Beeson is the most popular - and nastiest - girl at Meadowbrook Middle School. But Amanda has a secret: there's a reason she's so mean, because feeling sorry for someone means Amanda spends time "in their shoes." Literally. One morning she wakes up in someone else's body - quiet, timid Tracy Devon, the biggest nobody in school. Now Amanda has to learn to live as someone else and find a way to control her ability so that she can return to being herself.


This book was interesting - sort of a Freaky Friday with a bit of a twist. Although the story was a little fluffy, there were definitely some more serious undertones; also, the characters were interesting but it was pretty clear that character and plot development are going to continue running throughout the "Gifted" series which focuses one at a time on the students at Meadowbrook who have special abilities. The book can stand on its own, but it definitely seems to be the sort that might be better with the sequels. The ending seemed a little abrupt, but overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend it, particularly for younger teens and fantasy fans who are looking for some light reading.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Summoning, The Lightning Theif, The Wish List, or Fablehaven

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Jessica has known her whole life that she's adopted, but when a strange, foreign-exchange student shows up, she finds out that there's a lot her parents never told her. Not only is she (apparently) a vampire, she's betrothed to the new student, Lucius Vladescu, who turns out the be overbearing, possessive, and too intrusive for Jess' tastes. But when she finally discovers there might be more to him than she thought, he seems to have moved on to an obnoxious, blond cheerleader. With only a copy of Growing up Undead: A Teen Vampire's Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions to help her, Jess must figure out who she is and what she wants before she loses it all.


This book was an interesting read with well-developed characters and I enjoyed it for the most part. It is rather predictable, however, and some readers might find it to be a little too sappy and romance-novel-like. For the most part, it wasn't too fluffy and I would definitely recommend it to readers who are looking for an amusing teen romance novel with a fantasy twist.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Wicked Lovely, Twilight, Tantalize, or The Fairy Godmother

The Immortal Realm by Frewin Jones

This is a continuation of The Faerie Path series.

In this fourth book, Tania has finally started to make peace with her magical heritage and has shown the world of Faerie to her mortal parents. Life finally seems to be setting down, except that not all is well in Faerie; first children start to get sick and die. Then the illness spreads. In a place where disease is unheard of and death rarely happens, panic grips the entire realm. Soon Tania is on a quest to find the cause - and cure - before the Plague destroys her family, friends, and the place she has grown to love.

This book continues the series very well, bringing in some new characters while maintaining the ones from the previous volumes. Some of the plot felt overly complicated, but it may just be that it's been too long since I read the first three books. In fact, I was a little surprised to discover that there was a fourth book - the end of the third was a bit abrupt, but all of the loose ends that had carried through the first three books were pretty much tied up - and this book introduces another plot that will span at least one additional book. I would recommend this book to readers who really enjoyed the first three and are looking for more.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Wicked Lovely, or The Elemental Masters series

The Swan Kingdom by Zoe Marriott

Alexandra is a princess in the Kingdom. Her father rules well and her mother keeps the Old Ways, maintaining the health of the people and the land; Alexandra's brothers are just as talented in their own ways, destined to keep the Kingdom on its path. But everything changes when Alexandra's mother dies in a mysterious attack and the king brings home a new wife. When Alexandra is banished and her brothers disappear, she must learn to look within and find a way to use her own gifts and save everyone - including herself.


This is a really great retelling of The Wild Swans. It's told from Alexandra's point of view and the characters are so well developed that it adds an extra depth to the story. The progression of the plot actually seemed a little random at times, but I didn't think that it detracted from the story overall. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of re-tellings or fantasy readers who like strong female characters.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Spirit Fox, or The Goose Girl